Where should we go? (Riviera Maya--Playa del Carmen)

[Kali628]

We have decided that Riviera Maya is where we'd like go for our destination wedding and have been reseaching resorts. Neither of us have ever been before but have heard many things about the area; in particular Playa del Carmen. I am looking for suggestions on resorts for a destination wedding. We realized this is difficult because we have to think about our guests instead of just us. As far as the wedding goes we want very simple and relaxed.

Here's what we have going on:

--If everyone we invite can go then we max out around 50 people and that includes children under 10.
--For the resort: All-inclusive, kid friendly, easy access to activities outside of the resort.
--Lots of dining options--American type food or Italian (picky eaters that I gotta worry about).
--I like ocean front/view rooms or even a terrace with beach access.
--Must have a beautiful beach both to swim/relax as well as for the ceremony.
--Ceremony: On the beach, very casual
--Reception: I would rather have a nice and simple dinner or a bonfire/beach party instead of the traditional reception. So far it's been hard to accomodate 50 people for that. I do not want it in a ballroom.

Ideally I would want guests to spend no more than $1500 per person including airfare.

Some of the places we have looked at are Dreams Riviera Cancun (and eliminated it because I don't like the views from the room if I can't get the oceanfront--mostly booked no matter when I look).  I have also been seriously considering Gran Porto Real which I love.  I contacted the coordinator there and she said for 50 people it would be a reception on the beach.  I like that idea but I don't want dancing or anything traditional.  I'd rather just have the simple dinner with everyone.  It's not 5 star luxury but I think it's affordable for all my guests and still very nice.

 

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!! Thank you! 

[jmv247]

Hello Kali628,

 

 

I just got married at Iberostar Tucan. Love it there. I enjoyed the food but some of my guest did not. they said it was same all the time. but I have been to many resorts and normally that is the case.. As a bride i know trying to make everyone happy is hard, so in the end you must be happy. I would recommend contacting Gabriela at Iberostar Tucan. The price is great and the staff is amazing.

 

Prior to getting married my husband and i did some scouting.  We visited the Royal(which is the sister hotel of   Gran Porto Real )and it was a beautiful resort but its adults only and the WC wasnt as nice as Gabriela. Their beach at the roayl  isnt as nice as Iberostar tucan but I did hear their food is great (my friend stayed in that resort for vacation)

 

Tucan does have ocean front suites they are slightly larger than the regular rooms, They have the presidential suites which are amazing and very clean. The beds are hard but you can request for a pillow top to be placed on your bed. 

 

Good Luck!

 

[AfricanVenus]

Reach out to a TA so they can find places based on your specifications.

[Kali628]

I did reach out to my travel agent and she has suggested a few places which I then eliminated for various reasons but I wanted personal opinions.  A lot of the places she suggested she had not been before.   I have a Mexico brochure that I have destroyed by going through and making notes all over it, haha.
 

Originally Posted by AfricanVenus 

Reach out to a TA so they can find places based on your specifications.

 

[Kali628]

Thank you...I looked at this resort last night and thought it was gorgeous!  It did not seem like there were many ocean front rooms but what they did have was very pretty.  I think I will contact the WC and see what she has to say.  This definitely ended up in the running.

 

Originally Posted by jmv247 

Hello Kali628,

 

 

I just got married at Iberostar Tucan. Love it there. I enjoyed the food but some of my guest did not. they said it was same all the time. but I have been to many resorts and normally that is the case.. As a bride i know trying to make everyone happy is hard, so in the end you must be happy. I would recommend contacting Gabriela at Iberostar Tucan. The price is great and the staff is amazing.

 

Prior to getting married my husband and i did some scouting.  We visited the Royal(which is the sister hotel of   Gran Porto Real )and it was a beautiful resort but its adults only and the WC wasnt as nice as Gabriela. Their beach at the roayl  isnt as nice as Iberostar tucan but I did hear their food is great (my friend stayed in that resort for vacation)

 

Tucan does have ocean front suites they are slightly larger than the regular rooms, They have the presidential suites which are amazing and very clean. The beds are hard but you can request for a pillow top to be placed on your bed. 

 

Good Luck!

 

 

[AfricanVenus]

Got you. Did you try one of the TAs on here though?

[Kali628]

No I haven't tried the TA's on here.  I am new to the site and still trying to figure out how to navigate it.  Are they in a particular area?

[AfricanVenus]

Tammy, the host of this forum has a travel agency you can find here: http://www.wrighttravelagency.com/ They'll pass you onto to someone who specializes in your area.

[firefox]

Have you considered renting private beach homes?  Soliman bay, Akumal & Tankha all have several homes for rent. They are on the beach, very nice and you each have your own private beach and view. My clients always complain about the all inclusive resorts, they say they do not have the best food (buffet style). The best Itiallin resterants are in Puerta Adventuras & Playa del Carmen. I recommend you go and explore the area.  It would be much cheaper and much nicer to rent a house, you have private servents, private beach and it cost less than a resort does. We are located across Soliman Bay and several wedding parties do this from all around the world. "It is about what makes you happy" It is your day", my biggest mistake when I got married was trying to make everyone happy. Have that simple wedding and save the money for a home. ;-) Celebrate your wedding under the sun or the incredible, starry night sky with the Caribbean Ocean as your backdrop. Nothing is more romantic and unforgettable than a wedding on the Caribbean beach and only your 50 best guest to celebrate your new life together!

 

Check out our web page: Oscar & Lalos has everything you need to plan a wedding in Soliman Bay , Cancun Q.Roo, Mexico. We are located 5 minutes north of Dreams Tulum and five minutes south of Xel-ha.
Imagine the wedding and reception of your dreams on the beach or in a romantic jungle garden setting.

http://oscarandlalo.com/wedding-special-ocations.html

[janette34]

I have been to 6 resorts in the Riviera Maya, the Ocean Turquesa is nice, close to the airport (about 25 minutes) and we had oceanview rooms without paying extra for it.  The beach is one of the nicest I have been too and its kid friendly.  Not sure about therir weddings.  When I was there 4 years ago it was very quiet and laid back, loved their lobby with lots of couches and Ocean Views.  I have also stayed at the Grand Xcaret and wouldn't recommend that resort, my least favorite trip, although location was good for offsite activities.